Stat2 loss leads to cytokine-independent, cell-mediated lethality in LPS-induced sepsis

Deregulated Toll-like receptor (TLR)-triggered inflammatory responses that depend on NF-κB are detrimental to the host via excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α. Stat2 is a critical component of type I IFN signaling, but it is not thought to participate in TLR signaling. Our study shows that LPS-induced lethality in Stat2 ⁻/⁻ mice is accelerated as a result of increased cellular transmigration. Blocking intercellular adhesion molecule-1 prevents cellular egress and confers survival of Stat2 ⁻/⁻ mice. The main determinant of cellular egress in Stat2 ⁻/⁻ mice is the genotype of the host and not the circulating leukocyte. Surprisingly, lethality and cellular egress observed on Stat2 ⁻/⁻ mice are not associated with excessive increases in classical sepsis cytokines or chemokines. Indeed, in the absence of Stat2, cytokine production in response to multiple TLR agonists is reduced. We find that Stat2 loss leads to reduced expression of NF-κB target genes by affecting nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Thus, our data reveal the existence of a different mechanism of LPS-induced lethality that is independent of NF-κB triggered cytokine storm but dependent on cellular egress.